HOW TO GUARD YOUR HEART FROM HATEFUL THOUGHTS AND HURTFUL ACTIONS
Hello Beautiful Humans!
Well, we are living in CRAZY, CRAZY times, and I just wanted to do a post/video for you (and me) on how we can guard against all the toxic hate being thrown at us 24/7 and keep it from taking hold of us!
Things are happening in our world that 5 years ago would have seemed like science fiction. Go to any form of media and you’ll see cities burning, beatings and looting - talking heads calling you a racist or fascist. Our faces are covered, our hands are sanitized, our speech is monitored, our nation is divided and we are stretched like rubber bands about to snap!
As individuals, most of us are at a breaking point. But it is at this very point that we need a shot of spiritual strength. In my 60 years of being on planet earth I can not remember a time when I looked at another human being and saw their political party first. A time when I started to look at someone of a different skin color and wonder if they bore malice toward me because of mine.
Personally, my heart was starting to become hardened, so, I turned to God for help - a prayer to soften my heart and to give me discernment. The Lord led me to scripture: EPHESIANS 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We turn on each other - but this is a spiritual battle. The father of chaos is crafting lies and deceit, and he is counting on us to tear each other apart to further his cause to divide us and blanket the land with darkness. We must guard our hearts and minds from this darkness and the disease it carries within it, and I am not talking about COVID 19, here, I am talking about hate! Cancerous hate!
How do we guard our hearts and minds agains such hate? God tells us how in EPHESIANS 6:11: Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Priscilla Shirer has an amazing bible study on The Armor of God. Just click here or on the photo to learn more about it! It is AWESOME!!
Also
Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Do try to limit your social media time and news watching, I’m not suggesting you hide your head in the sand, rather spend some time praying for our leaders and those you have ill-will toward. This is not Pollyanna talk it is fighting a spiritual battle with spiritual weapons - Suit up in the Armor of God and purposefully keep joy in your hearts: ROMANS 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Build each other up. Pray for strength and discernment and protection - and for each other!
1 PETER 5:8 says: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
In addition, do read scripture every day - there is great power and strength in God’s Word. Start a daily Bible reading plan!
Here are some resources for you:
SCRIPTURES:
Ephesians 6:12​
Ephesians 6:13​-17
Phillipians 4:8
Romans 12:12
1 Peter 5:8
RESOURCES:
Priscilla Shirer Bible Study - Armor of God
Digital Version:
Workbook:
ON LINE BIBLE SOURCES:
Bible Gateway
Bible Hub
Daily Bible Reading:
One Year Bible Online
Lifeway
https://www.lifeway.com/
MOBILE BIBLE APPS
You Version
Bible.Is
ESV Crossway
NIV Bible
Olive Tree Bible Study
Thank you for taking the time to check out this post!
May God bless you and keep you close! And may you be filled with his peace, love and joy!
Joellen
